Author Topic: Brake caliper slow to release  (Read 6268 times)

johnm

  • Inactive
  • Regular
  • **
  • Canada, NS, Lawrencetown
  • Posts: 98
Brake caliper slow to release
« on: May 28, 2017, 11:07:20 »
I recently drove my car for the first time in many years after our restoration project. After applying the brakes the front driver side caliper is very slow to release, almost seizing for a period and causing heat build up. Appreciate any suggestions as to what may be causing this and any tips for lubrication of the pistons or sliders that may be part of the caliper assembly. Thanks.
1970 280SL
1966 250S

ejboyd5

  • Associate Member
  • Gold
  • *****
  • Southold, NY
  • Posts: 510
Re: Brake caliper slow to release
« Reply #1 on: May 28, 2017, 11:56:23 »
First step should be replacement of all flexible brake lines which will also provide you a perfect opportunity to replace the old brake fluid.

Cees Klumper

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Fallbrook
  • Posts: 5719
    • http://SL113.org
Re: Brake caliper slow to release
« Reply #2 on: May 28, 2017, 16:46:55 »
x2, almost certainly your brake hoses, gummed up on the inside.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

johnm

  • Inactive
  • Regular
  • **
  • Canada, NS, Lawrencetown
  • Posts: 98
Re: Brake caliper slow to release
« Reply #3 on: May 28, 2017, 17:33:02 »
Excellent advice as that is exactly what it was. Replaced the one bad hose for now and all is good. Plan on replacing the rest of them right away as well. Thanks very much for the help.
John
1970 280SL
1966 250S

jameshoward

  • Associate Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • United States, New Jersey (formerly of London)
  • Posts: 1570
Re: Brake caliper slow to release
« Reply #4 on: May 29, 2017, 17:44:01 »
Assuming you still have the rear compensating valve on your car don't forget you have 5 hoses, not 4.  :D
James Howard
1966 LHD 230SL

johnm

  • Inactive
  • Regular
  • **
  • Canada, NS, Lawrencetown
  • Posts: 98
Re: Brake caliper slow to release
« Reply #5 on: May 29, 2017, 21:10:17 »
 Well received! Thanks once again.
John
1970 280SL
1966 250S

Sleek Lemur

  • Guest
Re: Brake caliper slow to release
« Reply #6 on: June 05, 2017, 09:09:41 »
Hi everyone, I have a really hard brake pedal and all wheels locked solid. Brake master cylinder, I'm thinking?